PONDA: Sanjivani Sugar Factory in Ponda has successfully saved its valuable harvesting machine, worth Rs 89 lakh, from being discarded as scrap. The machine had remained dormant for a decade since its purchase in 2010. Despite initiating an auction process in March 2014, the factory could not find any buyers for the machine.
However, the factory administrator, Satej Kamat, decided to make one last attempt to put the machine to use. After conducting nominal servicing, which involved replacing the battery and repairing some parts, the machine regained its operational status. It has now started harvesting effectively.
The machine in question is the SM 150 TB sugarcane harvester, and it was originally offered for auction at a base price of Rs 89 lakh in 2014.
Satej Kamat explained that the machine had not been in use for ten years due to various reasons. Farmers were hesitant to use it, claiming it was unsuitable for their harvesting needs. However, during recent sugar cane cutting at a farm owned by Sanjivani Sugar Factory, the machine proved its worth by saving Rs one lakh in harvesting costs.
Kamat emphasised that the machine could reduce harvesting expenses by 25% compared to hiring a group of workers, provided the sugarcane is cultivated according to the machine’s design specifications.
